Ralph Edward Bailey, Sr.

Ralph “Butch” Edward Bailey Sr., 76, of Hartford was born on Sept. 28, 1945, at his home in Hartford, the son of Roy A. Bailey and Lorraine (Hough) Bailey.

Butch, as he was known, passed away on Dec. 15, 2021, at Spectrum Health Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph, from complications of cancer.

On Oct. 21, 1978, Ralph and Marie Lynn Lockwood were united in marriage. Ralph lived in Hartford all of his life, who never met a stranger and who loved to joke around. After they were married, they had an extra string of Christmas lights. That string of lights was turned into a star and the Bailey Christmas display was born. That display continues on today as a gift to the community he loved. Butch held many jobs over the years, including a truck driver, factory worker and finally a custodian for the Coloma Community Schools, where he retired from in 2010.

Butch was preceded in passing by his parents; two brothers: Robert and Roy Bailey Jr.; a sister, June Hauch; and a brother-in-law, Fred Hauch.

Butch is survived by his wife, Marie; a son, Ralph Jr. (Brandie) Bailey; a daughter, Elizabeth Bailey (Andrew) Hunt; five grandchildren: Harmoni, Eli, Gabriel, Elizabeth and Chaynce; two step-granddaughters: Chauncie Schilson and Kendra Herold; a sister-in-law, Shirley Bailey; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

The family will welcome friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 21, at the Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford, where the service to honor Butch’s life will follow at 2 p.m. with Pastor Benjamin Williamson of the Hartford Bible Church officiating. Butch will be laid to rest in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hartford Recreation Council. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.